Last updated: September 30, 2026
If money is tight or your health has changed, Delaware benefits programs can help with food, health coverage, utility bills, child care, and income. Most state programs run through one online portal called Delaware ASSIST, and federal programs like Social Security have their own sites. This guide shows you where to start.
Delaware benefits programs at a glance
| Program | What it helps with | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| SSDI | Monthly income if a disability keeps you from working | Social Security, or with Turnout's help |
| SSI | Monthly income for people with low income who are disabled, blind, or 65+ | Social Security, or with Turnout's help |
| VA Disability | Monthly payments for service-connected conditions | VA, with help from a Delaware Veteran Service Officer |
| Medicaid | Free or low-cost health coverage | Delaware ASSIST |
| ACA Subsidies | Lower costs on private health insurance | HealthCare.gov |
| Medicare / Healthcare Advocacy | Health coverage at 65+ or after disability, plus help using it | Social Security, with Turnout for advocacy |
| SNAP | Monthly money for groceries | Delaware ASSIST |
| WIC | Food and nutrition support for pregnant people and young children | Delaware WIC offices |
| LIHEAP | Heating and cooling bills | Delaware ASSIST or a local partner agency |
| TANF | Cash help for families with children | Delaware ASSIST |
| EITC | A tax refund boost for workers with modest income | Your federal and state tax returns |
| Child Tax Credit | A tax credit for families with children | Your federal tax return |
| Child Care Assistance (CCAP) | Help paying for child care | Delaware ASSIST |
| IEP / Education Advocacy | Special education services for your child | Your school district, or with Turnout's help |
Disability and income
SSDI
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays a monthly benefit to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes but now cannot work because of a medical condition. In Delaware, you apply through the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the medical decision is made by Delaware Disability Determination Services, an office in the state Department of Labor. Applications ask for a lot of medical and work history. You can apply for SSDI with Turnout, where an advocate works with you one-on-one from the first form to the final decision.
Official resources: SSA disability benefits overview, SSA 2026 cost-of-living adjustment fact sheet, Delaware Disability Determination Services
SSI
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly payment for people with very limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. It does not require a work history. In Delaware, SSI is handled by the SSA, and Delaware Disability Determination Services reviews the medical part of your claim. Where you live and who helps with your bills can change your payment. You can apply for SSI with Turnout and get one-on-one help gathering records and answering questions.
Official resources: SSA SSI program overview, How living arrangements affect SSI, Delaware long-term care Medicaid programs
VA Disability
VA Disability Compensation is a monthly, tax-free payment from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans with a condition caused or made worse by military service. Delaware adds state benefits on top, including a school property tax credit for veterans with a total service-connected disability rating. The Delaware Office of Veterans Services has accredited Veteran Service Officers who help veterans file claims at no cost. To get started, contact a Delaware Veteran Service Officer and bring your discharge papers and medical records.
Official resources: VA disability compensation rates, Delaware Disabled Veterans School Tax Credit, Delaware state benefits for veterans
Health coverage
Medicaid
Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage for people with limited income, paid for by the state and federal governments. In Delaware, it is run by the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA), and children may qualify through the Delaware Healthy Children Program. Delaware expanded Medicaid, so many adults without children can qualify. DHSS has announced that renewals are moving to every six months and that work rules for expansion adults start January 1, 2027. You can learn about Delaware medical assistance programs and apply online through ASSIST or at a State Service Center.
Official resources: Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance, Medicaid.gov Delaware state profile
ACA Subsidies
ACA subsidies are tax credits under the Affordable Care Act that lower the monthly cost of private health insurance bought through the Marketplace. Delaware does not run its own marketplace; residents use the federal site, HealthCare.gov. When you apply, the site checks whether you qualify for a premium tax credit, lower out-of-pocket costs, or Medicaid instead. Open enrollment usually starts November 1, and a job loss, move, or new baby can open a special window. You can apply for coverage at HealthCare.gov online, by phone, or with free local help.
Official resources: How to apply for Marketplace coverage, Saving money on health insurance
Medicare / Healthcare Advocacy
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older and for many people who have received SSDI for two years. Delaware residents sign up for Parts A and B through Social Security. For free, unbiased counseling on plans and costs, the Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB) is the state's official SHIP program, run by the Department of Insurance. You can get healthcare advocacy with Turnout for one-on-one help with denials, appeals, bills, and coordinating care.
Official resources: Medicare.gov, SSA Medicare enrollment information, Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau (SHIP)
Food and nutrition
SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) puts money on an EBT card each month to buy groceries. In Delaware, it is sometimes still called the Food Supplement Program and is run by the Division of Social Services (DSS) within the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). Benefits can be used at grocery stores and at some online retailers. Some adults must meet work requirements or join SNAP Employment and Training. You can apply for SNAP through Delaware ASSIST, or apply in person at any State Service Center.
Official resources: Delaware DSS SNAP program, USDA SNAP
WIC
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) provides healthy food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant and postpartum people, infants, and children under 5. In Delaware, WIC is run by the Division of Public Health and works with clinics in all three counties. Parents, guardians, and foster parents can apply on a child's behalf. Delaware WIC has a client portal and a screening tool to check whether your family may be eligible. You can apply through Delaware WIC by calling your county office or starting online.
Official resources: Delaware WIC eligibility, USDA WIC
Home and cash help
LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay heating and cooling bills. In Delaware, it is called the Delaware Energy Assistance Program and includes winter heating help, summer cooling help, and crisis assistance if you are facing a shutoff. Applications are handled by two partner agencies: Catholic Charities in New Castle and Kent counties, and First State Community Action Agency in Sussex County. Winter applications open in the fall. You can apply for energy assistance through Delaware ASSIST or call your county partner agency.
Official resources: Delaware DSS utility assistance
TANF
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) gives monthly cash help to families with children while parents work toward steady employment. In Delaware, it is run by DSS and includes job training, help with child support, and rules about school attendance for children. Most adults must take part in work or approved activities, and an interview with a DSS social worker is part of the process. You can apply for TANF through Delaware ASSIST, by paper application, or in person at a State Service Center.
Official resources: Delaware DSS TANF program, Federal TANF program overview
Tax credits
EITC
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit for workers with low to moderate income, and it can turn into a refund even if you owe no tax. Delaware also offers a state EITC that you claim on your Delaware resident return. You must file a tax return to get either one, and many families miss out simply because they do not file. Free tax preparation is available. You can check your eligibility and claim the EITC using the IRS qualification tool.
Official resources: IRS 2026 inflation adjustments, IRS Free File, Delaware personal income tax forms
Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit for families with qualifying children under 17. Part of it may be refundable, which means you can get money back even if you owe little or no tax. There is no separate Delaware application; you claim it on your federal return with Schedule 8812. If you do not usually file taxes, you may still be able to claim it by filing. You can learn how to claim the Child Tax Credit on the IRS site and file for free if you qualify.
Official resources: IRS Free File
Children and education
Child Care Assistance (CCAP)
Child care assistance helps working parents, students, and job seekers pay for child care. In Delaware, the program is called Purchase of Care and is run by DSS for families with children under 13. The state pays part of the cost directly to an approved provider, and you may owe a small share. You choose from licensed centers, family child care homes, and some school-age programs. You can apply for Purchase of Care online through ASSIST or in person at a State Service Center.
Official resources: My Child DE child care resources, Federal Office of Child Care
IEP / Education Advocacy
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written plan of special education services for a student with a disability, guaranteed by the federal IDEA law. In Delaware, the Department of Education oversees special education, and Title 14, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code sets out your child's rights. You can ask your school district in writing for an evaluation at any time. You can get IEP and education advocacy with Turnout, where an advocate reviews your child's case and helps you prepare.
Official resources: U.S. Department of Education IDEA site, Delaware DOE special education, Delaware Code Title 14, Chapter 31
What this means for you
- Start with Delaware ASSIST if you need food, health coverage, cash, energy, or child care help. One application can screen you for several programs at once.
- Gather your basics before you apply: photo ID, Social Security numbers, proof of income, and your address. Having these ready saves time.
- Use the federal sites for Social Security, VA, Marketplace, and tax credits. These programs are not on ASSIST, but you can apply for more than one.
- Ask for help when a form or a denial feels like too much. Turnout's advocates guide you one-on-one through disability, healthcare, and education claims.
FAQ
Can I apply for more than one Delaware benefit at the same time?
Yes. Delaware ASSIST lets you apply for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, energy assistance, WIC, and Purchase of Care in a single application. Getting one benefit does not stop you from applying for others, and some programs work together.
Do I have to apply online?
No. Every state program in this guide also takes applications in person at a Delaware State Service Center, and many accept paper forms. Social Security and the VA take applications by phone and in local offices as well.
What is changing with Delaware Medicaid?
DHSS has said that Medicaid renewals are moving to every six months, and that work rules for adults covered under expansion begin January 1, 2027. Watch your mail and keep your contact information updated so you do not miss a renewal notice. Turnout is not a law firm and does not provide legal or tax advice.
It's your turn
You do not have to sort through all 14 programs alone. Run Turnout's free Delaware benefits scan to see which programs may fit your situation in a few minutes. From there, Turnout can walk you through the next step, one program at a time.